Description

Leading the assault on carbon wheelset innovation.

Redesigned with new construction techniques, a new shape, and the new Swirl Lip Generator, the Reynolds Assault SLG Tubular is the best tubular Assault wheelset yet — which is saying a lot for one of the most successful carbon wheelsets on the planet.

Sitting near the top of its "Performance" line, Reynolds constructed the Assault's rim from its PR3 Hybrid Carbon. As a result, the wheels tip the scales around a feathery 1475 grams. The external width of the SLGs is 25mm and they feature a rim depth of 41mm. The Assault also features an impressive stiffness-to-weight ratio. And although they are slightly heavier than the Reynolds 46 Clinchers, they still roll up to speed quickly and demand less effort to keep them there when compared to even weightier carbon clinchers.

And while the two wheels are differentiated in a few ways, both wheels are constructed with the same proprietary carbon technology. The recipe consists of three technologies — hybrid Modulus Laminate (HLM), Variable Resin Chemistry (VRC), and Inert Gas Compaction (IGC). These three systems work harmoniously to construct the Assault. HLM is a method used to assign specific carbons and layups at different points of the rim. Reynolds places different carbons and layups at the tire channel, brake track, sidewall, and spoke face. Then, with VRC, Reynolds' exclusive resins bond the different laminates into a single structure. Finally, IGC is used to mold and cure the rim in what Reynolds deems as the most ideal of environments. As a result of this construction process, the Assault is strengthened at strategic points and benefits from a light overall weight. Additionally, the wheel's layup provides higher levels of lateral and torsional rigidity under load than prior iterations.

For 2014, the Assault wheelset has been upgraded with the incorporation of a Swirl Lip Generator, or SLG. The SLG is a 0.9mm lip of carbon beneath the rim's brake track that smooths airflow as it passes to the tapered spoke face. Tests at the A2 Wind Tunnel confirmed that it translates to a 12.5 second gain over a distance of 40 kilometers. Additionally, empirical testing showed that SLG reduces drag by 20% at a yaw angle of 10 degrees — pretty impressive considering that Alphamantis, Inc. testing reflects that we spend the most time at 10 degrees during racing.

With the Assault, Reynolds also addressed an all-too-common ailment to carbon clinchers — poor, and sometimes dangerous, braking. The solution was found through the development of what Reynolds calls its Crynogenic Glass Transition Braking System (CTg). Essentially, this is a patented braking design that required both a redesign of the brake track laminate and pads. Accordingly, CTg uses a temperature-conductive laminate at the brake track's transition points that withstands higher levels of heat than typical carbon laminates. And when paired with Reynolds' polymer Cryo Blue brake pads, braking becomes more predictable and requires less finicky feathering on fast descents.

The Reynolds Assault SLG Tubular Wheelset is available in the color Black only. Please note that the rear wheel is offered with either a Shimano/SRAM 11-speed or Campagnolo 11-speed freehub body. Also, every wheelset includes two pairs of Reynolds Cryo Blue Brake Pads. Reynolds recommends only using its proprietary pads, and the use of any other brake pads will result in a voiding of your warranty.